Reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus

ABSTRACT

A reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus having an elongated body. The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus is readily reconfigurable between a chair configuration, a sleeping configuration and a storage configuration by bending the elongated body. The invention thereby provides a highly useful product for people who have children.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/567,665, filed May 3, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable infant seats carriers andinfant mats. In particular, the present invention relates to portableinfant care arrangement that is configurable as an infant seat and as atote mat for use in changing the infant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infant chairs and carriers with multiple compartments for storing andcarrying infant items are well known in the art. However, most of thesearticles are heavy, bulky and are not easily transportable from onelocation to another. Conversely, multi-purpose tote bags combined withchairs, or with cushions have also been known in the art that weredesigned to provide comfort to the user but do not address the problemof providing an infant chair with toting capabilities that meets all ofthe needs and functions described herein.

The prior art discloses a number of chairs, lounges, recliners, mats,submergible floatation devices, inflatable and non-inflatable floatationdevices, and numerous combination tote bags with seats, tote bags withmats, and tote bags with chairs. Although portability is inherent inthese designs, none of these configurations is truly suitable for infantuse, especially when a parent needs to change their infant's diapers inpublic areas or provide the parent with a means for easily feeding theinfant in the upright position.

Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus that facilitates childcarewhile enhancing portability and reduction in space requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant seating apparatus and systemthat in its most simple embodiment provides a seating configuration thatis collapsible for ease of transportability into a portable mat.Particularly, the invention is a reconfigurable apparatus adapted forinfant seating and sleeping with integrated storage compartments that iseasily collapsible for ease of portability and storage. In a relatedembodiment, the infant seating and storage apparatus includes additionalcompartments for storage and portability of infant items. In yet anotherrelated embodiment, the infant seating and storage apparatus isconfigurable to form a changing pad as well as a mini-crib or bassinetfor infant napping.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The figures in the detailed description that follow moreparticularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1. is a side view of a reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in a chairconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in the chair configuration.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in the chair configuration.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in the chair configuration.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing interconnection of the elementsof the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus in the chairconfiguration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in a sleeping configuration.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in the sleeping configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in a utility configuration.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in a first intermediate position between the chairconfiguration and the sleeping configuration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in a second intermediate position between the chairconfiguration and the sleeping configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus in a storage configuration.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is generally directed to an apparatus and a system forfacilitating the care of an infant or child by providing a sturdyseating arrangement in a collapsible and portable form factor. While theinvention is not necessarily limited to such an application, theinvention will be better appreciated using a discussion of exampleembodiments in such a specific context.

A reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 provides a simple,easy to use and contemporary design that is highly durable. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 drastically reduces thetotal amount, size, weight and space requirements compared to typicalinfant equipment.

The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 is generallydefined by an elongated body 12, as illustrated in the Figures. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 is arrangable in atleast: a chair configuration (FIGS. 1-4), a sleeping configuration(FIGS. 6-7), a utility configuration (FIG. 8) and a storageconfiguration (FIG. 11).

The elongated body 12 preferably has a generally rectangular shape thatis defined by sides 20, a first end 22 and a second end 24 as mostclearly illustrated in FIG. 6. The elongated body 12 is formed with alength and width based upon the size of the anticipated user. For manyapplications, the elongated body 12 has a length of about 7 feet and awidth of about 1.5 feet. While the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10 is typically used by a single person, it is possible toadapt the concepts of the present invention for use by multiple persons.

The elongated body 12 may be fabricated from an expanded foam material25 that provides the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10with structural rigidity while providing comfort to a user that issitting or laying on the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus10. For many applications, the elongated body 12 may have a thickness ofup to about 3 inches and preferably about 1.5 inches. Alternatively, theelongated body 12 may be fabricated using the concepts of the presentinvention from other materials such as metal or plastic sheets.

To enhance the comfort and/or durability of the reconfigurable seatingand sleeping apparatus 10, the elongated body 12 may be covered with afabric layer. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thata variety of fabrics or other materials may be selected to provideselected functional characteristics such as stain resistance.

To enhance the ability of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10 to maintain a desired configuration such as the chairconfiguration (FIGS. 1-4), one or more deformable rods 26 or sheets maybe mounted in the elongated body 12.

When deformable rods 26 are used, the deformable rods 26 are placedalong the sides 20 of the elongated body 12. The deformable rods mayextend through sleeves (not shown) that are attached to or formed in thesides 20. When deformable sheets are used, the deformable sheets areplaced beneath or at an intermediate location in the foam material.

The deformable rods 26 or sheets may have a deformability that varies atdifferent locations of the deformable rods 26 such that the deformablerods 26 would permit more deformation at different locations of theelongated body 12. The varying deformability may be attained by one ormore of the following aspects rod overall thickness, rod wall thicknessand rod fabrication material.

Alternatively, resilient springs may be used to control theconfiguration of the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10.It is also possible to control the deformability of the elongated sheetby varying the thickness of the elongated body 12.

In another configuration, an at least partially rigid cap (not shown)may be placed over at least a portion of the side 20 to retain theelongated body 12 in a desired configuration such as the chairconfiguration. The rigid cap may have a U-shaped recess that is adaptedto receive the side 20.

A releasable fastener may be used to retain the reconfigurable seatingand sleeping apparatus 10 in the chair configuration. One such suitablereleasable fastener is a hook and loop fastener such as is marketedunder the designation VELCRO. The releasable fastener may include atleast two fastening surfaces that are capable of releasably engagingeach other.

A first fastening band 30 extends from the first end 22, as most clearlyillustrated in FIGS. 5-6. The first fastening band 30 has a firstfastening surface 32 and a second fastening surface 34 on opposite sidesthereof. A second fastening band 40 is attached to the second end 24.The second fastening band 40 has a third fastening surface 42. A thirdfastening band 50 is attached to the elongated body 12 intermediate thefirst end 22 and the second end 24. The third fastening band 50 has afourth fastening surface 52.

The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 is initially in thesleeping configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7. The first andsecond ends 22, 24 are both rotated towards the third fastening band 50as indicated by arrows 60, 62 in FIGS. 9-10. The central regionproximate the third fastening band 50 is urged upwards as indicated byarrow 64 in FIGS. 9-10.

These movements continue until the first fastening surface 32 releasablyengages the third fastening surface 42 and the second fastening surface34 releasably engages the fourth fastening surface 52 to form the chairconfiguration, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 can thereby be readilymoved to the chair configuration, such transformation typically takingless than ten seconds.

When the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 is in thechair configuration, a seat region 70 and a back region 72 are therebydefined. At least one of the seat region 70 and the back region 72preferably include a convex surface that assists in maintaining the userat a desired location on the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10, as most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4.

Depending on the age and/or size of the user, the reconfigurable seatingand sleeping apparatus 10 may include a safety belt 74, as most clearlyillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. A person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the safety belt 74 may have a variety of configurationssuch as a three point or five point configuration and may use a varietyof fastening mechanisms such as snaps 75.

The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 may include one ormore storage compartments 76 attached to a rear surface 78 of the backregion 72 as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 3. The storagecompartments 76 enable frequently used objects such as diapers, wipesand burp rags to be stored for readily accessability while being out ofsight and/or out of reach of the user. The storage compartments 76 maybe fabricated from a variety of materials to provide or restrictvisibility to objects placed in the storage compartments 76 such as amesh material. The storage compartments 76 may also include a closuredevice 79 such as a releasable fastener to retain objects in the storagecompartments 76. The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10may also include one or more holders for pacifiers, baby bottles orwipes.

To increase the functionality of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10, the elongated body 12 may areas that may be used whenperforming activities relating to infants or children. These areas arereadily accessible when the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10 is in the sleeping/utility configuration (FIGS. 6-8) butare on the inside when the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus10 is in the chair configuration (FIGS. 1-4).

Proximate the first end 22, a first panel 80 may fold outward to providea substantially flat surface that may be used for changing an infant'sdiaper or clothes, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 8. Providing thepanel 80 increases the surface area that may be used for theseactivities. An inner surface in this area may have waterproofcharacteristics that resist soiling.

Proximate the second end 24, a series of second panels 82 fold to anupward configuration to define an enclosed region 84 that restrictsmovement of the infant. At least one of the second panels 82 may have amesh configuration that enhances the ability to see person(s) or objectsin the enclosed region 84. It will be appreciated that the enclosedregion 84 may be used for allowing an infant to take a nap.

At an intermediate location on the elongated body 12, at least oneinterior storage pocket 86 is provided. The interior storage pocket 86can be used to store items that may be needed when changing a babiesdiaper such as diapers, wipes and extra clothing. The increase theamount of items that may be stored in the at least one storage pocket86, at least one panel 88 may also be used. The at least one panel 88preferably pivots to an open position to enable objects to be storedtherein. Similar to the other storage areas discussed herein, thepockets may include a closure mechanism.

When it is not desired to use the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10, the elongated body 12 may be rolled, as illustrated inFIG. 11, to reduce the size of the reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10 for storage or transportation to a desired use location.

The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus 10 may include atleast one strap 90 that extends around the roll to maintain the roll inthe storage configuration. The reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus 10 may also include a handle 92 or shoulder strap (not shown)to facilitate carrying the reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus10.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the essential attributes thereof; therefore, theillustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appendedclaims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope ofthe invention.

1. A reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus comprising: anelongated body that is defined by a first end, a second end and a pairof sides that extend between the first end and the second end; a firstfastening surface attached to the elongated body proximate the firstend; a second fastening surface attached to the elongated body proximatethe second end; and a third fastening surface attached to the elongatedbody intermediate the first end and the second end, wherein the firstfastening surface is capable of releasably engaging the third fasteningto retain the first end in a stationary relationship with respect to anintermediate position on the elongated body to which the third fasteningsurface is attached and thereby define a seat region, and wherein thesecond fastening surface is capable of releasably engaging the thirdfastening to retain the second end in a stationary relationship withrespect to an intermediate position on the elongated body to which thethird fastening surface is attached and thereby define a back region. 2.The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe elongated body comprises: a foam core; a cover layer thansubstantially encompasses the foam core; and at least one deformable rodattached to the cover layer along one of the sides.
 3. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelongated body comprises: a foam core; a cover layer than substantiallyencompasses the foam core; and at least one deformable sheet that atleast partially extends through the foam core.
 4. The reconfigurableseating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising asafety belt attached to the seat region proximate the back region. 5.The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1, andfurther comprising at least one storage compartment attached to the backregion.
 6. The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1,wherein the elongated body has a first panel pivotally attached theretothat opens to reveal a waterproof diaper changing region.
 7. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 1, wherein theelongated body has a series of second panels pivotally attached thereto,wherein the series of second panels pivot away from the elongated bodyto define an enclosed region.
 8. A reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus comprising: an elongated body that is defined by a first end,a second end and a pair of sides that extend between the first end andthe second end; a first fastening band extending from the first end,wherein the first fastening band comprising a first fastening surfaceextending from a first side thereof and a second fastening surfaceextending from a second side thereof that is opposite the first side; athird fastening surface attached to the elongated body proximate thesecond end; and a fourth fastening surface attached to the elongatedbody intermediate the first end and the second end, wherein the firstfastening surface is capable of releasably engaging the fourth fasteningsurface and the second fastening surface is capable of relaeasablyengaging the third fastening surface to retain the first and second endsin a stationary relationship with respect to an intermediate position onthe elongated body to which the fourth fastening surface is attached andthereby define a seat region and a back region.
 9. The reconfigurableseating and sleeping apparatus of claim 8, wherein the elongated bodycomprises: a foam core; a cover layer than substantially encompasses thefoam core; and at least one deformable rod attached to the cover layeralong one of the sides.
 10. The reconfigurable seating and sleepingapparatus of claim 8, wherein the elongated body comprises: a foam core;a cover layer than substantially encompasses the foam core; and at leastone deformable sheet that at least partially extends through the foamcore.
 11. The reconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 8,wherein the elongated body has a first panel pivotally attached theretothat opens to reveal a waterproof diaper changing region.
 12. Thereconfigurable seating and sleeping apparatus of claim 8, wherein theelongated body has a series of second panels pivotally attached thereto,wherein the series of second panels pivot away from the elongated bodyto define an enclosed region.
 13. A method of operating a reconfigurableseating and sleeping apparatus, the method comprising: providing anelongated body in a rolled storage configuration by extending at leastone strap around the elongated body, wherein the elongated body isdefined by a first end, a second end and a pair of sides that extendbetween the first end and the second end; unrolling the elongated bodyto a sleeping configuration where the elongated body is substantiallyflat; curving the first end to an intermediate position to define a seatregion; engaging the first end to the intermediate location with a firstremovable fastening device; curving the second end to the intermediateposition to define a back region; and engaging the first end to theintermediate location with a second removable fastening device.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, and further comprising urging the intermediateposition to a location that is elevated with respect to a lower surfaceof the seat region.
 15. The method of claim 13, and further comprisingmounting at least one of a deformable rod, a deformable sheet and aspring with respect to the elongated body.
 16. The method of claim 13,and further comprising pivoting a first panel away from the elongatedbody to reveal a waterproof diaper changing surface.
 17. The method ofclaim 13, and further comprising pivoting a series of second panels awayfrom the elongated body to define an enclosed region.
 18. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the elongated body comprises a foam core and a coverlayer than substantially encompasses the foam core.